Labour's new shadow local government secretary, Hilary Benn, has criticised Eric Pickles for lacking ‘enthusiasm' for the sector, and devolving only responsibility for unpopular cuts.

Delivering his first major speech in his new role at a Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) summit on 28 October, Mr Benn said he was a ‘passionate believer' in local government, but warned the sector was still not ‘appreciated enough', despite coalition plans to devolve new powers and financial tools.